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Oklahoma Science Teaching AssociationThe Oklahoma Science Teaching Association (OSTA) is now accepting nominations for the 2025 OSTA Awards! These awards honor outstanding science educators across Oklahoma who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovation in science teaching.
Categories include Science Teacher of the Year for Elementary, Middle, High School, and College/University levels, as well as the New Horizons Award, the Informal Science Educator Award, and the Jack Renner Distinguished Service to Oklahoma Science Education Award.
To learn more about each award and nominate a deserving educator, click here. Note that not all awards are given each year; selections depend on the nominations and applications received. Nominations are due by Sunday, March 30, 2025.
Let's celebrate and recognize the exceptional contributions of our science teachers who inspire and educate the next generation of scientists!
Past Awardees
Note: Not all awards are given each year. Awards depend on nominations and applications. Awards were paused during the COVID pandemic (2020 and 2021).
2023
Science Teacher of the Year - Elementary - Chrystal Reis
Science Teacher of the Year - Middle - Celise Curry
Science Teacher of the Year - High School - Joan Cole
Jack Renner Distinguished Service to Oklahoma Science Education Award - David Askey
Informal Science Educator Award - Becca Bornstein
2022
Oklahoma New Horizons Award - Blair Poulter
Science Teacher of the Year - Elementary - Lisa Pitts
Science Teacher of the Year - Middle - Shannon Semet
Science Teacher of the Year - High School - David Powell
Informal Science Educator Award - Andrea Melvin
2019
Oklahoma New Horizons Award - Angela Thomas
Science Teacher of the Year - Elementary - Debra Deskin
Science Teacher of the Year - Middle - Melissa Lau
Science Teacher of the Year - High School - Wayne Howard
Jack Renner Distinguished Service to Oklahoma Science Education Award - Julie Angle
2018
Oklahoma New Horizons Award - Aubrey Owen
Science Teacher of the Year - Elementary - Mendy Shepard
Science Teacher of the Year - Middle - Lise Simpson
Science Teacher of the Year - High School - Cindi Bradley
Science Teacher of the Year - University/College - Dr. Danyelle Lee
Jack Renner Distinguished Service to Oklahoma Science Education Award - Tiffany Neil
